Have you ever had a time when you really know that God had shown up in your life? Has there been a time when things were desperate and you just couldn’t see how they would resolve, but then, things just “seemed to work out?” Was that God?  Has there been a time when you prayed and suddenly you felt a calm and a peace surround you? Or do Christmas carols speak to you in ways that other music doesn’t?

People sometimes struggle with the phrase “ being missional.” Does it mean I have to be a missionary? Do I have to go to Timbuktu to be a missionary in order to be missional?  No, not really. To be missional is to be “sent with a message.”  There are times in our life when we encounter people that need to hear how God showed up, how things seemed to work out, or how you felt the peace of “something” surround you.  Those are the times, when God is sending you with the message, you can share the good news.  You can state from your own experience that God has made a difference in your life and that God loves them, too. Or, if that feels like “too much,” you can ask the person if they would like you to pray for them.   

A big part of being missional is being ready to share when the Holy Spirit presents the opportunity, in any way that feels right for you.  The Missional Coaches in our Diocese can hold workshops for your congregation to explore What it Means to be Missional.

In the meantime, may I encourage you in three things. First, think about all the times throughout your life when God has been there for you. Make a mental list, write it down or journal about it. Secondly, be brave. When a friend, neighbour or colleague is going through a hard time, ask them if they would like you to pray for them.  You could pray right there or wait until you say your prayers at night. You could even invite them to come to church with you. Christmas Eve has a particularly moving service; the carols, the candles, the Christmas story.  It may be just what that one person needs.

Finally, be prepared. The Holy Spirit would like to use you to share the Good News of God’s love. Be prepared for those moments to appear where someone needs to hear that God has made a difference in your life. It may give them hope, that God can work in their life, too.  God loves us and God can make a difference.  That’s good news!

This month's Missional Minute was written by Lois Reid, Christ Church, Millarville.

Assistant Bishop:

Archbishop Greg, with the approval of Diocesan Council, announces that The Right Rev. Michael Hawkins has been appointed as the Assistant Bishop for our Diocese.  Please pray for Michael as he begins this important role.

Executive Officer:

Archbishop Greg announced that he has appointed The Rev. Deacon Charmaine Evans as Executive Officer of the Diocese.  Rev. Charmaine had been acting as Interim Executive Officer for the past several months.

Morning Prayer Services at St. Edmund's House:

The Diocese Office has resumed holding Morning Prayer services each Wednesday morning at 9:00 am.  All are welcome to drop by and join us for this service.

Scam Emails:

Once again, there have been scammers sending out emails that ask for funds or information.  Please be aware that our Archbishop, clergy, Officers of Synod or Diocesan Office staff would never send emails soliciting funds or information from "church directories."  Always check the email address carefully and if it looks suspicious, please delete the email.

December 7 - Bishop's Visit and Celebration of 50th Anniversary of Dedication for Holy Nativity, Calgary

December 9 - Glenmore/Palliser Deaneries Advent Worship and St. Andrew, Calgary, followed by Christmas Lunch

December 14 - St. John the Evangelist, Claresholm

December 16 - Red Deer Deanery Christmas Lunch

December 17 - Service at St. Augustine, Lethbridge, to hear Oaths from Rev. Lawrence Kopp and The Right Rev. Michael Hawkins

Please hold Archbishop Greg in your prayers as he serves as our Bishop and Metropolitan.

On Sunday afternoon of November 23, a Service was held to celebrate the life of the former Parish of St Edmund, King & Martyr, Calgary.  A Service of Eucharist was held, with Archbishop Greg presiding, followed by a time of fellowship, remembering and enjoying goodies.

Thank you to all who attended, and to Linda Anderson for submitting this photo.

The Ministry Development team offers time for lay ministers from around the diocese (new and locally ordained too!)  to gather each week to discuss and reflect upon the readings for the week in preparation for preaching. Academic resources (commentaries, etc) will be made available for participants, and it will be a great opportunity to share ideas and resources for lay ministers who are preaching in their local services.  

Time: Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Location: on Zoom

Please contact Br. Jason Carroll to sign up or for more information. 

The Ministry Development team offers time for lay ministers from around the diocese to gather once a month for discussion and conversation around the opportunities, challenges and needs of lay ministry. It is also a great opportunity to create connections and fellowship with other lay ministers in the diocese. 

In the third week of each month, we will be producing a podcast with a different guest and topic for discussion. The Round Table will be held on the fourth Thursday of the month on Zoom in the afternoons, where the podcast and any other issues are on the table for discussion!

Listen to the Podcast from November 26 – Podcast with Carmen Beck on the upcoming Advent Study

Please contact Br. Jason Carroll for more information (jcarroll@calgary.anglican.ca)

This course will provide students with a foundation to understand the Old Testament.  In particular, this course will provide an understanding of God's covenant of faithfulness in the creation of humankind in his Image, and in the history of the redemption of his people through his covenants with Abraham, Israel, David and the New Covenant promised by the Prophets.  Students will also learn the variety of literary genres present in the Old Testament and how they function in making God known to his people, as well as learning about the broader context of the ancient world in which the Old Testament was written.

This is one of the required courses for CSD licensing.

Dates: Wednesday Evenings, January 14 to April 1, 2026

Location: on Zoom

Time: 7:00 to 8:30 pm

Cost: $100

Instructor: Dr. Joel Anderson, PhD

To register, please contact Barbara Labrecque.

This course will introduce students to the discipline of theology. We will discover the "why" and "how" of theology, drawing on some of the most important theologians of Christian history. The course will be structured around the Apostles’ Creed as the backbone of theology. We'll also cover how Anglicans approach theology.  And we will begin to see how theology is lived out in our daily lives. 

This is an entry-level course and will be tailored to different levels. It will, as much as possible, be seminar-style or discussion-based rather than lecture-based. We will be reading both primary and secondary sources.

A second class may be considered if this time does not suit many students or if interest greatly exceeds the 12-student limit.  A syllabus is available.  Students should register early to secure a spot and order their texts.

Date: Saturdays, January 31 to April 18, 2026

Location: On Zoom (and Google Classroom)

Time: 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Cost: $100

Instructor: The Rev. Greg Clark

To register, please contact Barbara Labrecque.

In many people's minds, the word "ministry" refers to a domain restricted to clergy.  All baptized Christians, however, are called by God into ministry.  This course will explore how our personal faith journey and the living out of our baptismal vows relates to how we are called to engage the world as followers of Jesus.  Jesus calls us to follow him, and that means he also calls us to be a Christian for others.  Students will explore how their spiritual formation and discipleship engage the world.

This is one of the required courses for CSD licensing.

Date: Saturdays, February 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2026

Location: on Zoom

Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Cost: $60

Instructor: The Rev. Chris Roth

To register, please contact Barbara Labrecque.

It's that time of year again!

All Saints, Medicine Hat invites you to their Annual Christmas Tea & Bake Sale on December 6 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.  

Admission is $10.00 and there will be a door prize.

If paying by e-transfer, please send to accounting@allsaintscochrane.org

This annual fundraising event features the sale of donated Christmas decorations, ornaments, garland, lights, and trees.  These items can be dropped off at the Foodbank on Mondays or Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.  We can be reached during these times at 403-288-6330 if you have any questions.

Donations by e-transfer can be sent to foodbank@stedmundscalgary.org.  In order to receive a tax receipt, in the Message Box, please put your NAME, ADDRESS and POSTAL CODE.

An intimate evening with Ryan Milliken, who will perform many stylings from The Great American Songbook, music from the era of 1920s to 1950s.  His music will envelope you while you enjoy the comforting ambience of a warm candlelit sanctuary.

All are welcome.

Tickets are $25 per person.  There will be two 40-minute sets with an intermission to enjoy a variety of pies!

For tickets, contact Darren Kronlund at (403) 394-8271.

The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer will hold a Blue Christmas Service at St. Edmund's House on Saturday, December 20, beginning at 11:00 am.

For more information, please contact AFP Fellowship.

Admission is free, but donations will be received for Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee and Cochrane Pregnancy Care Centre.

The wide-open expanse of the Alberta grain fields with the Rocky Mountains in the distance is the birthplace of the “Christian Response to World Hunger,”  the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFBG).

One sunny Saturday in early November, an enthusiastic busload of people toured the landscape of southern Alberta and learned from farmers who support CFGB and humanitarian aid around the globe.  Those people were the Board members and staff of Alongside Hope and a gathering of its volunteers and supporters.

Canadian Foodgrains Bank raises millions of dollars each year from farmers, growers, church congregations and local communities. Their money offers local, on-the-ground agencies in 37 countries, emergency food, training and equipment, all for the goal of growing sustainable livelihoods. Does this sound familiar?  This is exactly what Alongside Hope does, and with CFGB and its 15 partners combined with our organization and our many partners, we pool resources, talent, experience and expertise to bring relief, knowledge and dignity.

The Parish of St. Michael, Canmore has changed the lamps in their sanctuary, and now have three unopened one-gallon jugs of oil they no longer need.

If you could use this lamp oil, please be in touch with the Parish.  

St. Luke's, Calgary has some brass items free to a good home.

They have a set of brass candlesticks, two brass flower vases, and a "raisable" candle holder for a sanctuary light.

If all or any of these items are of interest to you, please contact Jerry Muckle.

The latest issue of Anglican Renewal Ministries Newsletter is now available.

If you would like to receive paper copies for distribution in your parish, please contact the ARM office.

Anglican Renewal Ministries relies entirely on the support of our readers.  If your Parish Council would consider a donation towards the ministry work of ARM, it would be greatly appreciated!

We pray you will have a Spirit-filled Advent and a very Merry Christmas!

The Executive Director for our Retreat Centre serves as the organizational and spiritual leader of King's Fold, responsible for all aspects of the Centre's operations, ministry, and community life.  This permanent role provides daily leadership that integrates spiritual depth and community shepherding, with sound administrative and operational acumen, ensuring that the mission and vision of King's Fold are lived out in every area of its ministry.

A full job description is available upon request.

Please submit a resume, cover letter and a brief statement of faith or spiritual leadership philosophy to hr@kingsfoldretreat.com.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

There will be two EfM Online groups starting in January 2026.

Sunday Group led by the Rev Paula Porter Leggett who is based in the Diocese of New Westminster. This class is going into its second year and starts at 3:30pm PT (4:30pm Mountain).  For information on this class, please contact the Rev’d Paula Porter Leggett at 2rev2pl@gmail.com or text at 1-604-329-8701 and she will call you back.

Tuesday Group: led by David Harrison who is a member of the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. This class is brand new and starts at 7:00pm Atlantic (4:00 Mountain). Please contact David at djh@djharrison.ca.

EfM Classic is our traditional four year program and has a new format this year, entirely digital.   This opens up new opportunities such as film clips, documentaries, and other virtual resources.  There are more resources to guide learners in our reading week-to-week, new essays by ‘Sojourners’ - faith communities that are praying for us all year and traveling alongside in our reading.  All the text-books but one are new to us. 

EfM Wide Angle is a new, one year program, which runs concurrently with EfM Classic. It is suitable for those people who are interested in EfM but do not wish to commit to a four year program. The texts used in the Wide Angle program are different from those used in the Classic classes. Wide Angle is also suitable for EfM graduates who wish to continue on the journey!

EfM is for lay people, to grow their faith as adult learners, discern how God is calling them, and discover gifts for ministry in the company of others on this pilgrimage, enriching our discipleship.

Interested in either program?  For more information, please contact David Harrison at djh@djharrison.ca

EfM website:  efmcanada.ca

Recruiting will begin by early November and close on January 4th, 2026.

The Wisdom Centre is pleased to announce that Dr. Hillary McBride will be in Calgary for two events on January 25 & 26.  This includes a public lecture (with livestream option) to be held on the evening of Sunday, January 25, and a professionally oriented workshop to be held on Monday, January 26.

Tickets are available for the lecture (live or livestreamed) or as a package which includes the lecture and workshop.  

Two workshops are being offered, open to all interested persons and are free of charge.  The first will be held at the Coaldale Public Library (2014 - 18th Street, Coaldale), and the final workshop of February 28, 2026, which will be held at the Anglican Church of the Ascension, Coaldale.  Registration is required as space is limited.  To register, Click Here.

1. Creative Problem Solving: Saturday, January 31, 12:00 - 4:00 pm.  Facilitated by Jonathan Legg, artist and educator.

2. Spiritual Practices and Healing: Saturday, February 28, 12:00 - 4:00 pm.  Facilitated by educator and musician Helen Raczuk and chaplain and musician Reno Guyon.

For more information, the poster or the brochure, please be in touch with The Rev. Canon Erin Phillips.

Sponsored by the Anglican Church of the Ascension, Coaldale with financial support from the Anglican Healing Fund for Japanese Canadians.

Please remember in your prayers:

- for peace within our country, and in the world, for victims of violence, war and natural disasters, and for areas of unrest and riots.  We ask for wise discernment in our leaders; 

- for the Anglican Communion, and our new Archbishop of Canterbury-elect, The Most Rev. Sarah Mullally;

- for the work of the General Synod, and for our Primate, The Most Rev. Shane Parker;

- for our Companion Diocese of the Windward Islands;

- for those who are sick, suffering, isolated or in need.  We ask for prayers for Barbara, Maureen, Karen, Ruth and James, Kate, Rosemary, Patricia, Rob, Alan, Gloria, Joan, James, Doug, Beth, Janis, Faten and Janice;

- for those who have died and those who mourn;

- for the poor, the homeless, and the needy in our communities;

- for our Indigenous brothers and sisters, and their leaders in our diocese and country; 

- for refugees, remembering those fleeing regimes around the world.

Request a prayer:

Send prayer requests to ctubman@calgary.anglican.ca to let us know how we can pray for you.  We will only use first names which will be removed after two or three weeks.  We will also pray for you during our regular Chapel services each week.  Please ensure that you have permission from those whose names you are submitting for prayer, and that they understand their name will be made public to all who subscribe to the Newsletter.

We are interested in what is happening in your parish and would love to highlight those events and news in our newsfeed.

We look forward to your contributions - feel free to forward your event announcements, your parish news, your stories.  Send in your details and pictures to ctubman@calgary.anglican.ca.

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